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5 things I would buy from the latest Ballard Designs catalog

Annie Elliott | September 19, 2016

(Don’t worry – more kitchen reno. updates coming soon!)

‘Tis the season to be inundated with fall catalogs. I’m going to be honest with you: I don’t usually read them. There are just too many, and if I want to browse, I browse online.

That said, every once in a while I pick up something that comes through the mail slot. Maybe the paper is late that day (yep: I still read The Washington Post on paper), or a colorful, shiny cover catches my eye.

Blue and white magazine catalog cover of Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs’ “Late Fall 2016” catalog

The other day, I just happened to pick up the Ballard Designs catalog, and I found 5 things that were compelling enough to tell you about…in other words, things I would buy myself ;)

ANANDA SERVING TABLE

Simple, long, and super narrow, this Asian-y (oh, all right: Asian inspired) table has the potential to be VERY useful. It’s nearly impossible to find tables as shallow as 12″, and the Rustic Black finish is pretty versatile. The Ananda Serving Table could be terrific in a small dining room or behind a sofa. Thanksgiving is coming, Gentle Readers…for $349, that extra serving space could be nice.

Ballard Designs' Ananda Table, a long narrow console table
Ananda Table

CHANDELIER SHADES: LINEN WITH TRIM

If you have a chandelier, most of us could stand to freshen up the lampshades (especially if the fixture is vintage — new shades keep it looking fresh). These linen shades with colorful banding at the top and bottom are very sweet — not too formal (linen instead of silk), and the trim makes them look tailored and tidy. They’re $15 each, which is very, very reasonable.

Off-white ivory linen chandelier lampshade with colorful ribbon trim
Linen chandelier lampshade with trim

 

BEE STAND

This one, I love. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, actually. It’s cute, isn’t it? It’s only 9.25″H, but I could see it next to a low chair or a shallow tub. I love a stool by a tub; I used an Eames stool in this bathroom (scroll through to the blue tiled bath). It’s $55.

Bee Stand - short wooden stool or table with bee carving decoration
Bee Stand

MACAU ARMCHAIR

I like the Coral, naturally, but it also comes in black and white. A Chinese Chippendale chair is the ultimate stylish pull-up chair. (Recover the seat cushion in multi-colored fabric to make it really fun.) The footprint is tiny, so it’s great in tight spaces, such as the corner of a bedroom or as an extra chair in the living room. It’s $279, and I think it looks more expensive than it is.

Chinese Chippendale Asian inspired armchair in coral orange pink with seat cushion
Macau Armchair

And finally, PROVENCE DOVE ART

Let’s be honest: it’s a huge drawing of a pigeon. But hey, if Ballard wants to call it a dove, it’s a dove. I don’t know what my excuse is on this one, beyond, “most people need larger art.” I’ve never seen this in person, so if you get up close and you can see the pixels, I withdraw my endorsement. But based solely on the pictures in the catalog and online, I like it. It ain’t cheap, so if you can see this before committing, excellent.

Large oversized painting wall art of a gray pigeon
Provence Dove Art

So there you have it, Gentle Readers! I hope this saves you some shopping time.

A final note: sometimes I’m skeptical of Ballard. Is the quality decent and consistent? On my catalog, there was a little overlay that says: “Hello, D.C., Come Visit Us in Tysons Corner.” Did you know Ballard had stores? I didn’t. So you and I can check the quality  in a purchase-free manner. Please report back ;)

Bossy color | Annie Elliott interiors is based in Washington, D.C. We create outrageously beautiful homes, starting with color.

Category: Art + accessories, Furniture + upholsteryTag: armchair, Ballard Designs, bee, carved wood, catalog, chair, chandelier, Chinese Chippendale, light fixture, painting, pigeon, poster, stool, Thanksgiving, The Washington Post, tub, wall art

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